Mary Elizabeth Sumner was the founder of Mothers' Union, As a mother she well knew the responsibilities and burdens of parenting. She understood the feelings of inadequacy that could overwhelm young mothers.

In 1876 Mary took the initial steps in founding a society for the support of women in their role as mothers. Mary recognised that good parenting was more than providing for the physical needs of the child and she believed that the primary responsibility was to raise children in the love of God.

Since those early formative years, when Mary Sumner first brought together parents in her own parish of Old Arlesford, Hampshire, with the aim to build their confidence in bringing up their children in the Christian faith, the Mother’s Union has grown to an organisation of over four million women members in 83 countries of the world.

Now, 140 years later, in 2016, the Mothers' Union's range and depth of work far exceeds Mary Sumner's original vision of a circle of prayer upholding family life.

Prayer continues to be at the heart of the witness of members who in the Wave of Prayer maintain a constant chain of intercession across global membership. Members continue to promote family life through parents' group work, marriage support and advocating for family-supportive policies. The Mothers’ Union assists families affected by poverty, homelessness, imprisonment, relationship break-down and prison sentences.

The aims and objectives of the Mothers’ Union are:

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To promote and support married life

To encourage parents in their role to develop the faith of their children

To maintain a worldwide fellowship of Christians united in prayer, worship and service

To promote conditions in society favourable to stable family life and the protection of children

To help those whose family life has met with adversity.

Here, at St, Mary the Virgin, Higham Ferrers, the Mother’s Union normally meets on the first Thursday of the month at 2.30 p.m. We are always pleased to welcome new members to our branch meetings.